title: Psoralen and ultraviolet A in the treatment of granuloma annulare.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, usually self-limiting disease. Lesions may be localized or generalized with a tendency for generalized disease to follow a chronic course. There is evidence to support psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) in the treatment of GA, but little data on long-term benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PUVA in the treatment of GA, and to establish clearance and remission rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a retrospective study of patients with generalized GA treated with PUVA over 13 years. Data were collected from case notes and a phototherapy database. On completion of treatment, outcome was assessed as clear, good improvement, moderate improvement and poor outcome. Follow-up data were obtained for patients who had cleared using a postal questionnaire in addition to clinic notes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty per cent of courses resulted in clearance of disease, 16% in good improvement, 25% had moderate benefit and 9% had a poor outcome. Of the patients that cleared, 79% remained in remission at 6 months but only 32% were still clear 12 months following treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings show clearance or good improvement of generalized GA in 66% of cases. Prolonged remission, however, occurred in less than a third of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds, UK. fmbrowne@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Goulden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D011564:Furocoumarins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016460:Granuloma Annulare / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D011564:Furocoumarins